Forging: The Advantages and Disadvantages
Forging is the process of shaping metal, and is a common practice in a range of manufacturing industries. There are various types of forging, and these are often distinguished by the temperature at which it is conducted. The 3 independent classifications are cold, warm and hot, with the most popular types of metal including iron and steel almost universally forged hot. The process has many advantages and also some disadvantages to the companies that use it. Forging is a cost effective manufacturing process for high quantity runs it is also used for items that require the grain structure/ mechanical properties resulting from the forging process. Forging is limited to products of fairly simple design, generally without under cuts and sharp edges. Tooling costs for forging are higher than that of investment casting and Sand Casting . Drop forging offers good tolerances and repeatability. Surface finish of drop forging is also ok but signs of the flash line may be visible. Forgi